Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

ADMISSION BED

This is an open bed prepared in readiness for immediate admission of a patient. It is arranged to facilitate easy and safe entry of the patient into bed.

Purpose

  • Ensure quick and immediate admission
  • Provide warmth and comfort
  • Facilitate safe positioning of the newly admitted patient
  • Prepare the bed for patients arriving from another clinical area

Indications

  • New patient admission
  • Patient returning from another clinical area when an admission bed is required
  • Emergency admission requiring immediate placement in bed
  • Preparation of a bed before an expected admission

Equipment

  • General bed-making requirements
  • Long mackintosh or waterproof sheet
  • Two bath blankets or flannelette
  • Drip stand
  • Vital signs tray
  • Oxygen apparatus
  • Suction machine
  • Medication tray
  • Hot water bottle if necessary

Procedure steps

  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Collect and arrange items on the trolley and send them to the bedside
  • Arrange items in order of use on a chair or heart table
  • Place the bottom sheet evenly on the bed
  • Pull the sheet tight so that there are no creases
  • Tuck the sheet evenly under the mattress at the top and bottom using envelope or mitered corners
  • Place bed mat or draw mackintosh at the middle portion of the bed
  • Cover the mackintosh with the draw sheet and tuck in at the sides
  • Put clean pillowcases on the pillows
  • Place pillows on the bed with open ends away from the entrance
  • Place long mackintosh over the appropriate area and secure according to facility practice
  • Place one bath blanket or flannelette over the mackintosh
  • Place the second bath blanket over the bed as required
  • Use a hot water bottle only when indicated and according to safety policy
  • Put on the top bedclothes
  • Place the counterpane loosely over the top bedclothes if required
  • Tuck in the bedclothes on the far side
  • Fold the bedclothes on the side nearest the entrance to facilitate admission
  • Place required bed accessories appropriately
  • Ensure oxygen and suction equipment are ready when indicated
  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Remove the trolley and chairs

Precautions

  • Ensure the bed is stable and brakes are applied
  • Maintain clean technique and infection-prevention precautions
  • Avoid wrinkles in the linen
  • Avoid unnecessary exposure of the patient
  • Use hot water bottles only when indicated and monitor for burn risk
  • Ensure oxygen and suction equipment are safe and functional when required
  • Keep the admission pathway clear
  • Ensure required emergency equipment is accessible

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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